Golf governing bodies intend to make ball change rule

Golf may be poised to make a pretty big change. The PGA Tour has undergone some changes as well as the sport at large, but the entire game and how it's played might be undergoing a change soon too.

For professional players, a potential new ball would limit how far drivers can hit it. The new balls would not be allowed to go further than 317 yards under testing. They would also have a clubhead speed of 127 miles per hour and 2,200 revolutions per minute, and a diver with just 11 degrees of loft.

Mike Whan, the USGA’s chief executive officer, said in a press release via TSN:

“Hitting distances at the elite level of the game have consistently increased over the past 20, 40, and 60 years. It’s been two decades since we last revisited out testing standards for ball distances."

It continued:

"Predictable, continued increase will become a significant issue for the next generation if not addressed soon. The MLR we are proposing is simple to implement, forward-looking and does so without any impact on the recreational game. We are taking the next steps in this process, guided first and foremost by doing what’s right for the entire game.”

Martin Slumbers, CEO of the R&A , also added:

"At the core of our proposal is a desire to minimize the impact on a flourishing recreational game. We believe the proposed Model Local Rule will help us move forward in a way that protects the inherent qualities of the sport and reduces the pressure to lengthen courses."

"This is an important issue for golf and one which needs to be addressed if the sport is to retain its unique challenge and appeal.”

This would ultimately mean a drop in distance of 15 yards for the longest hitters in the game currently. The PGA Tour has not yet committed to making this change or not.

It's currently just a proposal, but it could eventually be the new normal for golfers everywhere. However, casual golf would remain unchanged by this theoretical rule.

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Golf sponsors pleased with changes to PGA Tour

While the ball changes might not impact the PGA Tour, they have already changed the schedule for the tour.

Could golf be changing more than the schedule?

Hollis Cavner, a PGA Tour sponsor, was happy about the move (via Golfweek):

“I went in with an open mind and came out feeling real good. This is good for us. Once you see how it is going to work, it’s clear that it’s going to be very good for elevated events and darn good for non-designated events. I think other sponsors will see it, too.”

Kady Stoll, another partner, mentioned:

"The focus this week has been on the designated events, but with the top 70 cut off instead of top 125 qualifying for the FedEx Cup playoffs where we are in the schedule will lend itself to a stronger field."

The changes to the game so far have been well-received. Whether or not the proposed ball changes remains to be seen, though.